Support helps Ukraine animal shelters make it through winter
“We're very happy that this winter we were able to scale up our aid effort” – Yuriy Tokarski.
The U-Hearts Foundation has revealed that it managed to provide more than 150 tonnes of pet food and other crucial supplies to help animal shelters in Ukraine during the winter.
Working with partner organisations from around the world, U-Hearts distributed 156.57 tonnes of pet food to animal shelters and rescue centres across Ukraine between December 2023 and February 2024.
Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, shelters in Ukraine have had to take in thousands of animal that have been abandoned or separated from their families as civilians flee the fighting.
Russian attacks can make it difficult to keep these animals safe, fed and warm, and the cold winters of Ukraine present an additional challenge for those caring for animals. As well as providing food, U-Hearts helped run a series of initiatives to support shelters with other crucial supplies during the winter.
The ‘Warm Paws and Hearts’ initiative provided 33 electric heaters and five generators to 25 shelters across Ukraine, as well as 111 pet houses, while ‘Operation Warm Paws’ saw the delivery of 15 heaters to seven regions in Ukraine. A bed and blankets appeal in the UK also collected 300 blankets which were distributed to shelters.
Yuriy Tokarski, CEO of the U-Hearts Foundation, said: “We're very happy that this winter we were able to scale up our aid effort. By analysing past experiences and consulting with shelters about their needs, we concentrated our efforts on sourcing and providing them with the necessary support.
“None of this would have been possible without the generosity of those who donated funds or goods, for example warm blankets, as well as without our friends and partners who helped to purchase everything that was needed!”
Donations to U-Hearts can be made via its website.
Image © U-Hearts
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
